| City Parks               
Bicentennial Commons Park is actually two small
parks located on the east and west ends of Veterans Memorial
Bridge. The park space provides lawn area with a scattering of
trees. The west parcel has a flagpole and a covered picnic
table, and is surrounded by single family homes. The park space
on the east side of the river contains a 30 foot monument as a
memorial to the veterans of the Revolutionary War. The property
is maintained by the city, but is owned by the Michigan State
Highway Commission.
Bigelow Park is
located at the north end of Middleground Island and is
approximately 9 acres. The property for the park was donated in
1929 as a gift from Charles Bigelow, who operated a large saw
mill on the riverfront. Additional land was purchased by the
city in 1949. It was not until 1991 that it was developed into
a park. The park contains an extensive footbridge that
crosses the river channel and connects the park to Veterans
Memorial Park and the Riverwalk.
Playground equipment and a
pavilion were constructed by the Bay City Lions Club.
The pavilion is frequently rented for family reunions, company
picnics and other social events. The north end of
Middleground Island also contains a Victorian style building
leased to the Rowing Club as a clubhouse, a Boys and Girls Club
facility, and a transient boat dock.
Birney Park is
bordered by 9th Street, 10th Street,
Jackson Avenue and Madison Avenue and is 3.4 acres in size.
Formerly known as Madison Park. This large rectangular park is
primarily open playing field with playground equipment and a
covered pavilion. A basketball court lies on its eastern side.
Along with Carroll Park, Birney Park is one of the oldest parks
in the city.
A 6.6 acre public
open space along the Saginaw River, the park includes a walking
path, lighting and bench seating. The parcel was improved when
the Breakers Cove condominiums were constructed in 1998. It is
anticipated that the walking path to the north will be extended
as the Uptown at RiversEdge property is developed.
Carroll Park is
located on the northeast corner of Groveland Road and Park
Avenue and is 13.7 acres. The park is the oldest platted park in
the city and was established in 1875. The unique features of
the park include a duck pond and bridge. The park contains a
large stand of old maple and oak trees. The park is bordered by
historic homes and can be accessed by the Riverwalk/Railtrail
loop. Park facilities include playground equipment, a baseball
diamond, tennis courts, a pavilion and picnic areas.
The Cass Avenue
Boat Launch was constructed in 2003 and is adjacent to the
Saginaw River at the end of Cass Avenue. The one acre site
features a single boat dock, restrooms and a small grassy area
with bench seating.
Columbus Green is
a ½ acre public square dedicated in 2003 and is bordered by
Columbus Avenue, Washington Avenue and Fitzhugh Street. It has
brick walking paths, benches, four flag displays and
a butterfly garden. The
Columbus Avenue Management Board maintains oversight of
this park.
Defoe Park is
adjacent to Marquette Avenue and is 11 acres in size. The park
has five baseball diamonds that are leased to the Little League.
The original 3 acre property was given to the city by the North
American Construction Company in 1914. The company stipulated
that the land be used for “playground or park purposes” and went
by the name of Aladdin Park. It was later renamed Defoe Park in
honor of Harry Defoe of the Defoe Shipbuilding Company.
The Dwan property is 8.5 acres bordered by
Marquette Avenue, the Saginaw River and Central Michigan
Railroad Tracks. The site is a natural area on the western bank
of the Saginaw River. The property is an undeveloped parcel of
land. The property was purchased by the city in 1998 and a
conservation easement is recorded for the site. Proposed
improvements to the property may include benches, a boardwalk,
and a foot trail.
 Located
at the intersection of the former Johnson Street and the
Saginaw River, the 43 acre recreational facility was completed
in 2003. It provides two boat launch platforms and a ramp
specifically designed for handicap accessibility. Included in
the 43 acre park is a 26 acre
nature area with paved and gravel trails that includes two
viewing platforms overlooking a wetland are provided. The site
includes a
large
gazebo for use as a covered shelter area for student classroom
tours, as well as a river viewing and fishing platform
includes a gazebo with a picnic table.
Hewitt Park is 6.1
acres and is bordered by Johnson Street, Hampton Street, 19th
Street, and 20th Street. This is a rectangular
sports park that contains two tennis courts, a baseball diamond,
a playground, and a basketball court. The park name was
formally changed from “Hewitt Field” to “Hewitt Park” in 1994.
The Infinity Skate
Park is located adjacent to Defoe Park on Marquette Avenue.
This outdoor recreation area opened in 2002 and is a
professionally designed facility with an elaborate network of
cement ramps.
Tromble Park is a
small 1/2 acre park located in the Banks area. The park serves
the neighborhood and offers tennis and basketball courts. The
park had been casually known as “Smith Park” or “Banks Park,”
but in 1985 the City Commission formally renamed it “Joseph M.
Tromble / Banks Park” named for an early settler who established
the Village of Banks in 1843.
Maplewood Park is
a 9.7 acre park bounded by 1st Street, 3rd
Street, Sheridan Street, and vacated Van Buren Street. The park
provides a baseball diamond and is popular for its basketball
courts. Playground equipment and a pavilion for picnics are
provided. The property was acquired with a Land and Water
Conservation Fund grant and Community Block Grant funds and
dedicated in 1987.
Nate Doan Park is
located in the Midland Street Neighborhood and is 6.4
acres in size. It is designed for low-impact activities and
includes a playground and a small, hilly play field. A shelter
building and restrooms are provided on the site. The park is
named in honor of Mr. Nate Doan a community volunteer and was
established in 1977.
Pershing Park is
adjacent to the Sage Library located in the Midland
Street Historic Preservation District. The parcel is one and a
half acres and contains green space, trees and a monument
dedicated to Veterans of World War I. The park is leased to the
Sage Library, and the library is responsible for its upkeep.
A 10
mile looping trail that surrounds the east side of Bay
City and follows the west bank of the Saginaw River. The
trail is an asphalt and cement path on land once used as
railroad right-of-way. It was designed to be used by joggers,
cyclists, and roller-bladers. The Riverwalk/Railtrail loop
connects or passes very near to the following parks: Maplewood
Park, Carroll Park, Bigelow Park, Ted Putz Nature Area,
Riverwalk, Veterans Memorial Park, Dwan Property, Defoe Park,
and Infinity Skate Park.
The Riverwalk is a
scenic path that provides public access to the Saginaw River.
The path is paved to encourage use by cyclists and roller-bladers.
The pathway travels through Veterans Memorial Park, Kantzler
Arboretum, Fitness Park and along the riverfront. A pier with a
large gazebo extends into the Saginaw River. The Riverwalk was
connected to Bigelow Park when a pedestrian bridge was built in
1993. Access and continued improvements to the system on the
east side of the river will provide public use of the riverfront
and will expand the Riverwalk to both sides of the river.
Ramsey Park is 1.3
acres located in the southwest area of the city adjacent to
Fisher Avenue. It was deeded to the city for park purposes in
1949. The park is a small, irregularly shaped parcel in a
residential neighborhood and contains a playground and open
space.
Rexer-Jablonski
Park is a 3.3 acre park that was designed and constructed in
2004. The park is named after two police officer’s killed in
the line of duty near the present park site. Elements in the
park include a memorial area for the fallen officers, open play
area, playground equipment and other amenities.
Roosevelt Park is
a 2.8 acre park adjacent to Broadway Avenue in the south end.
Originally named Broadway Park, it was renamed Roosevelt Park in
1907. A boulder and a memorial plaque is located in the park in
memory of a Native American Indian whose remains rest beneath
the stone. The park provides a tennis court, playground
equipment and open space area.
Sovereign Field is
a city-owned park located at the corner of Truman Parkway and
Woodside Avenue and is 3.2 acres in size. It was established in
1974 as a play field for the Little League. It lies adjacent to
another baseball diamond that is privately owned. This park is
leased from the city and operated by the Little League.
Located on the
western bank of the Saginaw River at Ivy Avenue in the Salzburg
Business District, this 4 acres park is an open space area and
contains a boardwalk overlooking wetlands along the river
floodplain.
Overview
Veterans Memorial
Park is the central park of Bay County containing approximately
97 acres. It is roughly 1.2 miles long and 0.2 miles wide.
This area includes land that encompasses Liberty Harbor Marina,
the Veterans Memorial Park ball fields, Kantzler Arboretum,
Santa House, Trombley House, and Fitness Park. It includes the
Riverwalk and the Riverwalk/Railtrail loop. Major
community events such as the 4th of July Fireworks
celebration, the River Roar, Pig Gig and concerts take place in
the park.
Liberty Harbor Marina
Liberty Harbor is
a public marina just north of Veterans Memorial Bridge. Liberty
Harbor is listed as one of 80 certified harbors by the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources. Facilities include the 99
berth marina, a concession stand building and parking lot.
Kantzler Memorial Arboretum
The 12 acre
arboretum is a landscaped plaza with various plantings
maintained by civic and private organizations. It is located
along the riverfront and near the Community Center. On the
north edge of the arboretum is the Davidson Dry Dock, a 500-foot
inlet that had once been used for ship building. A pedestrian
bridge crosses the dry dock at its mouth and joins with the
Riverwalk that runs the length of Veterans Memorial Park and
beyond.
Santa House and Trombley House
The Santa House is
a log building that is leased seasonally to Santa House Inc. for
its event every December. The site is located near the entrance
to Veterans Memorial Park on John F. Kennedy Boulevard.
The Trombley House
is Bay County’s first frame house, completed in 1837, by pioneer
Joseph Tromblé. The Trombley House was moved to this site in
1981. The structure is owned by the Bay County Historical
Society. The house is being restored, maintained, and used by
the Bay County Historical Society for public events.
Fitness Park
The Fitness Park
is an exercise track that is specially equipped for the
disabled. The looping track breaks off from the Riverwalk and
leads through marked exercise areas. The Fitness Park was
established in 1986.
 This
6.1 acre, downtown park is centered on an amphitheater and is
used primarily for arts performances at the World Friendship
Shell. It is decorated with a large oval sculpture and water
fountain that can be seen down the length of Center Avenue.
There is a boat dock at the seawall to accommodate all sizes of
vessels.
The Bay Arts Council schedules concerts
throughout the summer and in conjunction with major events such
as the 4th of July, River Roar and the Tall Ships
Festival. Wenonah Park was established in 1908 and has a rich
history serving as public space in the downtown area.
County Facilities
The Bay County Fairgrounds are
located on the eastern boundary of the city. The 40.3-acre site
contains year-round recreation facilities, as well as
specialized facilities in connection with the Bay County Fair.
The Bay County Park and Recreation service building and the
Animal Control facility are also located on the site. Horse
stables and a riding track are provided for the 4H Club, who
utilize the facilities.
This county park is located on South
Euclid Avenue on property commonly known as Keit’s Wetland.
Dedicated in 2003, this 8.7 acre recreation facility includes
8-foot wide, hard-surface pathways, a boardwalk, viewing
platform that overlooks a wetland, and interpretive signage.
 There
are 11 public school sites identified on the map. Four of the
school sites are large enough to provide significant outdoor
recreation areas. The two largest sites are Kolb and MacGregor
Middle Schools, which are 20 acres and 16 acres respectively.
Kolb has two Little League ball fields, two tennis courts, a
basketball court, and has added two baseball fields. MacGregor
School has three baseball fields, two tennis courts, a soccer
field, a sand volleyball court and an ice rink.
Handy Intermediate and Bay City
Central High School are each located on 8 acre sites. Handy
Intermediate has a better developed play field with eight tennis
courts, two ball fields, track, football stadium and practice
field, and a basketball court. Central High School has two
tennis courts, a ball field, a track, a football stadium and
practice field.
Most of the elementary schools are
located on sites of 2 acres or less, with limited opportunity
for outdoor recreation space or facilities other than playground
equipment. A proposed wetland park is planned at Kolb
Elementary School that could include footpaths on a vacant
wooded parcel containing a wetland west of the school.
Ten parochial school sites appear in
the recreation facilities inventory comprising a total of 43.0
acres. In terms of the contribution of these school sites to the
recreation system, it should be noted that parochial school
recreation facilities generally cannot be counted on to serve
public recreation needs on a long-term basis because of the
inability of the public sector to control use of the site, and
decisions to open, close and/or sell school sites are outside
the public purview.
Two of the sites, Visitation and St.
Joseph AC have athletic fields that are closed to the general
public, and not available to the surrounding neighborhood for
recreation use. With the exception of Mt. Olive Lutheran and
St. Hyacinth, the sites are small in size and preclude
development for significant recreation facilities. Mt. Olive
Lutheran has a site size of 5 acres, with no outdoor recreation
facilities other than an open play area. St. Hyacinth, 8.8 acres
in size, has softball fields, including a Little League baseball
field and a tennis court. St. Hyacinth is probably the most
heavily used parochial school site in Bay City, and actively
serves the surrounding neighborhood's recreation needs. St.
Stanislaus Athletic Field, although outside the city limits, is
also used by Bay City residents during special events.
Other Educational Facilities
Three public school facilities
outside Bay City attract city residents; Delta College, Saginaw
Valley State University and Garber High School. Delta College is
the largest school facility in Bay County and provides a variety
of recreational opportunities. Saginaw Valley State University
is located in Saginaw County, however it attracts residents in
the Bay area and provides exceptional recreation facilities.
Garber High School is used extensively by the Bay County Park
and Recreation Department for indoor and outdoor recreation
programs. In addition, Bay City Public Schools are used for
basketball and volleyball programs.
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